I saw these dynamics firsthand during my years at Google, where I often partnered with startups as their first corporate customer. Even at a company with seemingly unlimited resources and smart people, the process of evaluating, piloting, and scaling innovation was complex. Some startups moved quickly into adoption and their innovations created an outsized impact. Others never made it through procurement cycles or risk management processes, despite having built amazing products. 

The lesson I carry forward to this day is simple: innovation accelerates when corporations and startups align early and build risk-sharing and incentives into their partnerships. 

That insight is what drives the work we’re doing today at the NJII Venture Studio: creating a repeatable model for corporations, entrepreneurs, and universities to co-develop companies that are strategically aligned, capital-efficient, and capable of hitting meaningful milestones within 18 months.

A New Approach to Corporate Innovation

Traditional corporate innovation often follows one of two paths:

1. Internal R&D, which is expensive, slow, and not always aligned with immediate business unit needs.
2. External acquisition, which can be costly once a startup has already scaled and proven itself in the market.

The NJII Venture Studio offers a third path: 

3. De-Risked Joint Venture Creation: early partnership with academia and entrepreneurs to co-create companies that are strategically aligned from day one. This approach allows corporations to test and validate new technologies in a controlled, capital-efficient way, while maintaining the option to fully acquire once market readiness is demonstrated.

But what exactly is a venture studio? A venture studio is a company that builds other companies. It plays a meaningful role in three aspects: Entrepreneur, Operator, and Investor. By combining those three roles, venture studios provide a structured and repeatable way to turn ideas into startups that solve real-world problems.

The NJII Venture Studio Model

The NJII Venture Studio provides a structured framework for creating new high-growth startups (“NewCos”) that solve real-world problems. Each NewCo includes what we consider to be the necessary ingredients for successful technology translation:

• Corporate Partner: Brings market insight, real commercialization needs, pathways to distribution, and potential funding or acquisition opportunities.
• Intellectual Property: University-originated or corporate-shelved IP that addresses a clear market problem and is positioned for productization.
• Executive Leadership: An operator/entrepreneur (often paired with technical founders or faculty) who drives execution across product, go-to-market, partnerships, and (where relevant) regulatory strategy.

Underpinning these ingredients is NJII’s studio platform, which provides the capital, operational infrastructure, and experienced leadership needed to launch and scale each NewCo. From incorporation to licensing, governance, and go-to-market support, our team ensures startups are built on a strong foundation. Together, this creates a repeatable, de-risked path from research to revenue while compressing time to market.

Why This Model Works for Corporations

The NJII Venture Studio gives corporate partners an innovation engine that is capital-efficient, strategically aligned, and de-risked from the outset:

• Shared risk: Instead of shouldering all the cost and uncertainty of internal R&D, partners share risk with NJII while retaining long-term ownership options.
• First-look at cutting-edge IP: Tap into a curated pipeline of university and independent innovations without funding all the discovery work.
• Cheaper path to acquisition: Because you’re involved from day one, acquiring a company you helped shape is significantly more cost-effective than buying it on the open market.

Why It Works for Entrepreneurs

The model also reshapes the journey for entrepreneurs:

• Immediate access to capital and resources without months of fundraising.
• Meaningful equity ownership from day one, earned through expertise and execution
• Strategic alignment with a major industry partner, increasing adoption and commercialization success.
• Operational support from NJII, freeing founders to focus on building.
• Clarity on exit pathways, reducing uncertainty and financial risk.

This is a de-risked entrepreneurship model where innovators can build faster, with stronger partners, and a higher probability of long-term success.

The Opportunity Ahead

Corporations are under pressure to deliver what’s next, researchers are generating world-class IP, and entrepreneurs are eager to build, but these groups struggle to connect in a way that’s efficient, aligned, and scalable.

That’s also where the opportunity lies. Internal R&D and acquisitions will always have their place, but they’re no longer, enough on their own. The real opportunity is to build a new model of collaboration that combines corporate strength, cutting-edge innovations, and entrepreneurial execution.

The NJII Venture Studio was designed to unlock exactly that opportunity: a way for corporates and innovators to move faster, share risk, and create companies that solve real-world problems.

Let’s Build What’s Next, Together

At NJII, we believe innovation doesn’t have to be risky or slow. By aligning corporations, researchers, and entrepreneurs from the very beginning, we’re proving there’s a faster, smarter way to bring ideas from the lab to the marketplace.
If your organization is looking to explore new technologies, expand into emerging markets, or simply reimagine how to innovate, we’d love to partner with you.

The post How the NJII Venture Studio is De-Risking Corporate Innovation appeared first on NJII.

We work across many sectors, including Human Health, Advanced Manufacturing, and AI/ML, because we believe innovation can and should happen everywhere. But we also know that we’re not experts in everything. That’s where our strategic partners come in, and why they’re such a critical part of our model. 

Deep industry knowledge and lived experience help us focus our energy on what we do best and are uniquely positioned to do: building new ventures that address real-world problems and unlock the value of IP assets. 

Two Approaches to Strategic Partnerships  

1. Translating Industry Needs to New Ventures 
   • Startups don’t have to be built in a garage or a lab. Some of the best startup ideas can come from inside a company that’s been living with a problem for years. Whether it’s a costly inefficiency, a market need that isn’t being met, or a shelved concept that never had the resources to get off the ground, these problems can represent high-potential starting points for new ventures. 
   • At the NJII Venture Studio, we collaborate closely with corporate partners to uncover these challenges, validate the opportunity, and build purpose-built startups to solve them. We bring the entrepreneurial talent, capital, and operational support needed to take an idea from concept to company without draining our partners’ internal resources. 
   • The result is a venture that’s independently operated, structured for scale, and built with real-world relevance from day one. For our corporate partners, that means early insight into an emerging solution, potential shared ownership or commercial rights, and a strategic way to extend innovation beyond the boundaries of the core business. 
2. Commercializing Underutilized IP 
   • Many companies are sitting on intellectual property with untapped commercial potential—technologies that fall outside the core business, require a nontraditional go-to-market strategy, or simply never found the right internal champion to move them forward. 
   • At the NJII Venture Studio, we provide a structured path to bring these assets to life. We work with corporate partners to assess the commercial viability of underutilized IP, identify high-impact use cases, and build independent startups designed to bring those technologies to market. 
   • We handle the heavy lifting—from sourcing talent and conducting early-stage validation to structuring capital and managing operations. The result: your team can stay focused on core priorities while we work in parallel to unlock new revenue streams, accelerate IP utilization, and increase the long-term return on R&D investments. 

Why This Model is a Win-Win 

Venture studios are distinctly different from startup incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. We typically don’t look to existing startups or founders to build our pipeline. We actively create companies from scratch, and we do it with intention, speed, and structure. 

By collaborating directly with corporate partners, we ensure that our ventures are grounded in real demand and have a built-in customer, use case, or market channel from day one. That reduces risk, helps us hit inflection points faster, and drives meaningful innovation. 

It also means that our ventures are not just technically feasible, but also strategically aligned with industry trends, customer needs, and evolving market pressures. 

Let’s Build What’s Next, Together 

We’re actively seeking strategic partners who are: 

• Sitting on valuable but unutilized IP  
• Dealing with persistent problems that can’t be solved internally  
• Looking for new ways to innovate without disrupting core operations 
• Interested in shaping or co-owning the next wave of market-ready startups 

If that sounds like you, we’d love to talk.

The post Why Corporate Partners Are Central to the NJII Venture Studio Model  appeared first on NJII.

What is Open Coffee Club? 

Open Coffee Club was originally created by Saul Klein, a venture capitalist and co-founder of Skype, with the goal of fostering open, accessible conversations within the startup ecosystem. Today, NJII’s Entrepreneurship Division carries forward this tradition by hosting Open Coffee Club on the first Wednesday of every month at the Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

Why Attend Open Coffee Club? 

• Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Engage with entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners who are actively shaping the startup landscape in New Jersey. 

• Expand Your Network: Whether you’re looking for a co-founder, funding opportunities, or industry insights, Open Coffee Club is a great place to make meaningful connections. 

• Casual and Inclusive Atmosphere: No formal pitches, no pressure—just genuine conversations over coffee. 

• Stay Inspired: Learn from the experiences of others, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities in the local innovation ecosystem. 

Exciting Changes Coming in 2025 

Starting in 2025, Open Coffee Club will introduce monthly themes to enhance networking and learning experiences. Each month will focus on a specific topic relevant to startups and innovation, such as: 

• Founder Stories from startups in Human Health, AI/ML, Advanced Manufacturing, and the New Jersey Innovation Fellows program 

• Startup Hiring: how to find & retain talent 

• Fundraising: Insights from local VCs 

• Research Commercialization: Research @ NJIT 

These themes will bring targeted discussions and insights from industry leaders, founders, and investors to help attendees gain practical knowledge and expand their network. Check out each month’s registration page to learn more.  

Join Us! 

Start your day with coffee and conversation at Open Coffee Club. It’s free to attend, and everyone is welcome! Simply register at this link to secure your spot. 

When: First Wednesday of every month, 9:00-10:30am 
Where: Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (211 Warren St Newark, NJ) 
Register: Sign up here 

Come sip, connect, and spark new ideas with fellow innovators. We look forward to seeing you at the next Open Coffee Club!  

The post Discover Open Coffee Club: A Monthly Networking Event for Entrepreneurs & Investors in New Jersey appeared first on NJII.

NJIF, a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) program, supports entrepreneurs who have unique startup ideas with access to mentorship and income replacement grants. NJII’s entrepreneurship division provides mentorship programming to the companies participating in the program, in partnership with Rowan University.  

Insights from Experienced Founders 

The session featured a powerhouse panel of experts who shared their diverse experiences: 

• Viraj Mane, Director of the NJII Venture Studio and co-founder of Lactiga, shared his journey in securing $2 million in venture capital and over $500K in non-dilutive funding. 

• Sloane Tilley, CEO and co-founder of DIA, provided insights into raising capital as a first-time founder, highlighting her experience securing $3.25 million in non-dilutive grants from the Department of Defense. 

• Amos Winbush, CEO of bckers and a seasoned entrepreneur, discussed the evolution of fundraising instruments and the strategic considerations founders must weigh. 

• William Reichert, Proposal Writer, Grants and Restricted Funds at NJII, an expert in grants writing, provided actionable advice on finding and applying for grant opportunities effectively. 

Key Takeaways: Mastering the Fundamentals of Fundraising 

Participants left the session equipped with a clear understanding of the fundraising landscape, from grants to equity investments. Some of the essential learning points included: 

Fundraising Fundamentals: 

Startups need a solid foundation of traction, a validated product, and a clear understanding of funding options. Panelists emphasized the difference between dilutive funding (e.g., venture capital) and non-dilutive funding (e.g., grants) and stressed the importance of understanding market conditions. 

Grant Writing Tips: 

William Reichert provided a wealth of insight on crafting successful grant applications. He emphasized the importance of paying attention to detail, including accurate and complete documentation and adherence to deadlines. Budgeting was another critical focus—Reichert explained that a clear, justified budget can make or break an application, as grantors scrutinize how the funds will be used. Finally, he reminded founders that grants are highly competitive, and winning a grant requires a compelling narrative that clearly articulates the problem, solution, and potential impact. 

Preparation for Due Diligence: 

Viraj Mane offered invaluable guidance on navigating the due diligence process, a critical phase of fundraising where investors closely evaluate a company’s readiness and potential. He stressed the importance of organizing key documents, such as financial statements, legal agreements, and intellectual property records, to instill confidence in potential investors. Mane also recommended using data rooms—secure online repositories for sensitive documents—to streamline the sharing and review process. Beyond preparation, he emphasized the importance of responsiveness, noting that founders who are quick and thorough in addressing investor questions are more likely to build trust. Mane’s advice underscored that due diligence is not just about document compliance but also an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and readiness for investment. 

Fundraising Strategies & Choosing the Right Investors: 

Panelists shared their experiences, such as securing millions in both dilutive and non-dilutive funding, and stressed the importance of market knowledge and having a clear plan for capital utilization. Sloane Tilley and Amos Winbush discussed their strategies for determining the appropriate amount of capital to raise, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market, having a clear plan for the funds, and building relationships with investors. They also highlighted the importance of finding investors who align with the company’s mission and vision, and the need for mutual respect and understanding in the investor-founder relationship.  

Closing Thoughts 

The session concluded with an open Q&A, where participants had the chance to seek personalized advice from the panel. The discussions were both practical and inspiring, leaving attendees with a roadmap to navigate the complex world of fundraising. 

As NJIF participants continue their entrepreneurial journeys, sessions like these provide critical support, equipping founders with the tools and knowledge to transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. 

Stay tuned for more updates on NJIF and future learning opportunities. If you want to learn more about the services NJII’s Entrepreneurship Division offers, check out our webpage.  

The post Empowering Entrepreneurs to Succeed in Fundraising: Highlights from NJIF’s ‘Raising Funds’ Session  appeared first on NJII.

Transforming Detection with AI and Science 

QuanBio has developed a non-invasive medical platform that uses Photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure arterial stiffness—a key indicator of cardiovascular health. The non-invasive medical device and software leverages machine learning to rapidly analyze arterial stiffness. Their AI algorithms are specifically engineered to adapt and learn from complex patterns in cardiovascular data, providing 25 biomarkers to gauge vascular health. This innovation enables doctors to assess patients’ cardiovascular health in real-time, at point of care, paving the way for early interventions and personalized medicine.  

“Our goal is not just rapid detection but accessibility. We aim to address cardiovascular-related inequities, by serving as an affordable tool for screening of vascular health.” said Androsch. This transformative technology is expected to have a profound impact on underserved communities, particularly those in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. 

Thriving in New Jersey’s Innovation Ecosystem 

In its pursuit of an ideal environment to grow, QuanBio relocated from Atlanta, Georgia to the New Jersey Innovation Institute’s (NJII) Incubator in Newark, New Jersey, drawn by the robust technology and healthcare ecosystem fostered by NJII and other innovation leaders. “From the moment we began negotiations to move here, we’ve experienced incredible support,” Androsch shared. QuanBio has benefited from connections to investors, partnerships with healthcare systems, and access to top-tier talent through programs like NJII’s internship initiatives. 

The company’s collaboration with Rutgers University and its partnerships with esteemed researchers such as Dr. Partho Sengupta have further cemented their position as leaders in cardiovascular innovation. 

Overcoming Challenges and Words of Wisdom 

Like many startups, QuanBio has faced challenges, particularly in securing warm introductions within New Jersey’s tight-knit investment community. The team stressed the importance of networking, never giving up, and being prepared to hear ‘no’ many times before you succeed, which are mantras they have followed to their current success. 

Reflecting on her journey, Androsch offered advice for those starting their entrepreneurial paths: 

1. Embrace Complexity: “Never underestimate the complexity of what you’re embarking on.”
2. Follow Your Passion: “Listen to others but trust your vision even when others doubt you.” 
3. Stay Resilient: “If I’d listened to every person who told me what we’re doing wasn’t needed, we wouldn’t be here today.”   

Looking Ahead 

QuanBio is currently preparing for FDA submission and aiming for broader market adoption as they advance their innovation toward market entry. The team remains committed to its vision: redefining cardiovascular care through innovation, accessibility, and prevention. With the support of partners like NJII and the New Jersey healthcare ecosystem, QuanBio is poised to revolutionize cardiovascular health, saving countless lives along the way. 

For more updates on QuanBio’s journey, visit their website

The post Pioneering Cardiovascular Health: A Spotlight on QuanBio  appeared first on NJII.

NJII’s Impact: Innovation on Display 
NJII took center stage with four of its connected startups showcasing groundbreaking solutions: 

• OculoMotor Technologies: Delivering cutting-edge VR-based vision therapy and eye-tracking diagnostics to transform vision care. 
• Portable Diagnostic Systems: Innovating field diagnostics with the Integrity-1, a portable, saliva-based drug screening solution. 
• PureNanoTech: Pioneering nanotechnology-based products, leveraging NJIT intellectual property. 
• Marco Health: Empowering mental wellness with an AI-driven robot companion providing 24/7 emotional support. 

The event’s highlight was the pitch competition, featuring nine of Newark’s most promising startups. NJII’s AVP of AI/ML, Tom Villani, served as a judge, helping crown OculoMotor Technologies, led by NJIT professor Chang Yaramothu, as the first-place winner. OculoMotor walked away with a cash prize from I/O Connect and a trophy from GlassRoots, while Portable Diagnostic Systems took third place. 

Why It Matters

Newark Demo Day reflects Newark’s growing momentum as a regional tech hub. The event exemplifies how NJII continues to drive innovation—providing resources, mentoring, and market exposure to startups that are ready to scale. With over 150 attendees, the event served as a strong signal to entrepreneurs and investors that Newark’s ecosystem is thriving and open for business.

Be Part of What’s Next

The energy from Newark Demo Day doesn’t stop here. The event underscores the importance of building collaborative networks to foster innovation. Now is the time for founders, investors, and policymakers to engage with NJII and take advantage of the resources fueling Newark’s transformation. If you’re a founder with bold ideas, partner with NJII—a catalyst for growth that connects you to funding, mentorship, and a thriving startup community. Newark is the place to be, and the next breakthrough could be yours. 

Let’s build the future, together.  Learn more about NJII’s Entrepreneurship program. 

The post Newark Demo Day: Sparking Innovation, Driving Impact  appeared first on NJII.

The session featured an expert who shared their insights and experiences with the NJIF participants. Panelists included Mark Kolb (Tech Council Ventures), Roger Braunfeld (Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC), and Perri Richman (Black and Latino Angel Investment Fund), and was moderated by Dr. Michael Dominik (Rowan). Each panelist brought a wealth of knowledge, offering practical advice on crafting compelling pitches, understanding investor perspectives, and navigating the complex VC landscape. 

For early-stage entrepreneurs, access to seasoned investors and their insights is invaluable. New Jersey’s top ranking in VC investment isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reflection of the state’s robust startup ecosystem and the increasing opportunities available for founders. However, securing funding is no small feat, especially in a competitive environment. That’s where events like the NJIF learning session become critical. 

The panelists offered essential tips to guide founders through the complex fundraising process. Perri Richman emphasized the challenges, stating, “Fundraising is not for the faint of heart.” This underscores the need for resilience and patience in the journey. Richman also advised against overextending early on: “You only raise what you need to hit your first milestone.” This approach ensures that entrepreneurs maintain focus and credibility with investors. 

Furthermore, the panelists highlighted the time commitment involved in fundraising. Founders often underestimate how long it takes to secure investment. As Roger Braunfeld shared, “Trust doesn’t just happen overnight, so the time from your first conversation to raising capital could be 12 months.” Setting realistic timelines and treating fundraising as a primary focus can significantly increase a startup’s chances of success. 

Mark Kolb further elaborated on what investors look for, saying, “Investors are not just looking at the idea; they’re evaluating the team and their ability to execute. A strong pitch is one that convincingly connects the dots between vision and execution.” This insight highlights the critical importance of not just having a great idea but also being able to demonstrate a clear path to success. 

With New Jersey’s startup ecosystem thriving, the onus is now on entrepreneurs to capitalize on the available resources. The NJIF session was more than just a workshop; it was a call to action for founders to refine their pitches, build meaningful investor relationships, and leverage the state’s growing reputation as a venture capital hotspot. 

For NJIF participants, the next steps involve applying the insights gained from the session to their own fundraising efforts. This means not only crafting a compelling narrative for their businesses but also actively engaging with the investor community across New Jersey. As the state continues to attract more VC dollars, the timing has never been better for startups to secure the capital they need to scale. 

The success of New Jersey’s startups will hinge on their ability to pitch effectively, connect with the right investors, and execute on their vision. With the guidance of seasoned professionals like Mark Kolb, Roger Braunfeld, and Perri Richman, NJIF participants are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of fundraising and take their ventures to the next level. 

NJII’s Entrepreneurship Division is committed to the growth and development of startups throughout New Jersey. New Jersey’s rise in the VC rankings is a testament to the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. By sponsoring the NJIF program and providing resources to newly founded companies, NJII is not only ensuring that startups achieve necessary funds to further their work, but also maintaining the overall growth and acceleration of New Jersey’s startup economy. NJII has profiled two companies participating in the NJIF program, AnataMed and MyFitPlate, which you can read about on our website. 

The post Top NJ Investors Share Insights with NJIF Participants as NJ Rises to #3 in VC Rankings appeared first on NJII.